Botrytis (grey mould) on strawberries

Hi again all. New season, new risks? Well, I thinned out the straw plants considerably - some didn't survive the winter, and I bought a third raised bed so increased the spacing altogether. I also improved the soil structure with added topsoil rather than more compost. The weather for the past 3 weeks has been dry and sunny (last years was damp and cool).

BUT, the problem is back - a few mouldy strawbs so far, a few dead leaves (cleared out), but I suspect the botrytis is still lurking.

If I am proved right and it all goes wrong do I need to give up?

I also said last year that I didn't have botrytis on other stuff, but I now wonder if I did. The cherry toms that are in pots but nowhere near the strawberry beds, also went rotten and so did a lot of the courgettes.

 

You normally dont see botrytis unless things are staying wet for long periods.

How are you watering them?

Its been so dry recently it really shouldn't be a problem, are they very leafy.

 

Hi

you’re keeping too wet , water in the early morning don’t let them keep soggy bottom

 

They are averagely leafy I would say. I have watered with a can without the rose, so can get close to the base/roots without wetting the fruit and leaves. Only watered on very sunny days, but mostly late afternoon cos I've had appointments most mornings lately. I can't image they are over-watered cos we were away for the first two weeks of the last five, so weren't watered at all then, and I've only watered about twice a week (and fed once only so far). They've had an average amount of water each time.

 

Just remembered hubby did a second light feed at the weekend.

 

All I can suggest is make sure the plants get as much sunshine as possible and air flow.
Late watering is probably not the best idea.
I don't think you are likely to get better growing conditions than we have had up till now in many springs so difficult to see why this keeps happening.